Beer Review: The Drowned Lands – Wawayanda Kill (Graham Cracker & Blueberry)
The Drowned Lands continues to cement its reputation for boundary-pushing brewing with Wawayanda Kill, a fruited sour IPA that defies simple categorization. By incorporating the nostalgic, bready warmth of graham crackers into a tart, blueberry-forward base, they have crafted a beer that functions as both a refreshing sour and an indulgent dessert-inspired treat.
The Craftsmanship
What stands out in Wawayanda Kill is the structural balance. Integrating pastry-like adjuncts into a sour IPA can often result in a cloying or disjointed experience, but here, the acidity of the blueberries is expertly managed. The Graham cracker does not merely sit on top of the flavor profile; it works in tandem with the malt backbone to provide a grounded, toasted complexity that cuts through the sharp, jammy fruit character. It is an impressive display of stylistic fusion.
Tasting Notes
- Aroma & Appearance: The beer pours a deep, saturated violet-red that commands attention, capped by a soft, pink-tinted foam. The nose is a striking blend of intense, ripe blueberry jam, followed by the comforting, buttery notes of graham crackers and a whisper of vanilla.
- Flavor Profile: The initial sip is defined by a vibrant, tart blueberry kick that immediately satisfies the palate. This sharp acidity is quickly tempered by the toasted, bready sweetness of the graham cracker, which adds significant depth. Subtle background notes of citrus and a touch of herbal hop character ensure the finish remains clean rather than syrupy.
- Mouthfeel: The body is full and velvety, supported by moderate, creamy carbonation that enhances the fruit’s perceived richness. Despite the decadent flavor profile, the finish is remarkably crisp, leaving a lingering, pleasant impression of toasted wheat and fresh berries.
Verdict
Wawayanda Kill is a sophisticated, adventurous beer that succeeds by embracing its unconventional ingredients with precision. It is an ideal companion for those who enjoy pairing craft beer with food, particularly vanilla bean cheesecake, lemon shortbread, or even as a surprising contrast to salty, aged goat cheese. For those looking to experience the inventive side of the current sour IPA movement, this is highly recommended.
Please Note: To ensure absolute freshness and optimal storage temperatures, all craft beer arrivals are sold exclusively in-store and are not available for online ordering.
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